A repousse copper twin handled vase firmly attributed to a design by Mary Williams, circa 1900.

The twin handled vase has incredibly detailed repousse patterns to each side. Either side has a different stylised flower pattern. The gauge of the copper is thinner than similar twin handled vases I have been lucky enough to own in the past. This allows for very detailed and highly skilled repousse work. This particular design of twin handled vase is very typical of the work of the Williams family with John, Mary and Annie Williams all designing and making slightly different variations. Many of these designs were shared with the Newton School of Metal Work and the Fivemiletown Class.

This particular vase came with a number of superb pieces which I have researched thoroughly. The vase is believed to have been made by either Mary Williams herself or Charles Harmer who was based in Islington, London. Charles Harmer ran a plate metalwork firm in Islington. The family that sold the pieces were related to Charles Harmer. They kindly contacted a foreman who had worked at the firm for over 50 years. He remembered that there was a lady called “Miss Williams” who rented a basement in one of the firms buildings. Miss Williams was an artist and she produced the designs that were then either commissioned by the Harmer family or made by Charles Harmer and his son, also Charles Harmer, between 1890 and the early 1920s. This information, combined with the style of the designs, allows for a firm attribution to Mary Williams.

Much more of this story can be found in the following article in the News section… News 15